Isoflavone Extracts Enhance the Effect of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors in NSCLC Cell Lines.

AIM: We investigated the effects of the pharmacological inhibition in vitro of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in combination with isoflavones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four anticancer drugs (erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib and AZD9291) were combined with soy and red clover isoflavone extracts and used in cellular proliferation assays. The antitumor activity of inhibitors alone and in combination with isoflavone extracts was compared on three non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines with affiant EGFR genotype: A549 (EGFR wt); H1795 (EGFR T790M); HCC827 (EGFR del E746-A750). RESULTS: Combined treatment with extracts significantly enhanced the antiproliferative activity of all inhibitors against these cell lines. Bioactive compounds of extracts may synergize the antitumor efficacy of the inhibitors. CONCLUSION: To date, as far as we are aware, this is the first report of the combined effect of isoflavone extracts and EGFR inhibitors on human NCSLC cell growth. Sequential treatment with these drugs combined with isoflavones may represent the basis for a new therapeutic approach.

Physico-chemical properties and fatty acid composition of pomegranate, cherry and pumpkin seed oils.

BACKGROUND: Nut and seed oils are often considered waste products but in recent years they have been receiving growing interest due to their high concentration of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive components, which have important pharmacological properties on human health. The aim of this work was to compare the physico-chemical and biochemical properties of pomegranate (Punicagranatum), sweet cherry (Prunusavium) and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seed oils obtained by solvent extraction. RESULTS: High amount of linoleic acid was found in the cherry and pumpkin seed oils, while pomegranate seed oil showed relevant content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) along to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and nervonic acid. Pumpkin seed oil had high concentration of carotenoids, while pomegranate oil was the best absorber in the UV-A and UV-B ranges. CONCLUSION: Pomegranate, cherry and pumpkin seed oils can be an excellent source of bioactive molecules and antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids. These seed oils can be included both as preservatives and functional ingredients in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields and can contribute to disease prevention and health promotion. Moreover, high absorbance of UV light indicates a potential use of these oils as filters from radiations in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields.

Polysaccharides as biopolymers for food shelf-life extention: recent patents.

Biopolymers have properties that make them suitable for use in increasing food shelf-life. At present, conventional polymers could be substituted with biobased food packaging materials in several areas such as meat products, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, frozen food, dry food, snacks, ready to eat food and drinks. In spite of the enormous amount of published scientific articles and reviews on polysaccharide employment in food shelf-life extension, there is a comparatively limited number of patents issued from industry. Several polysaccharides alone or in combination with other substances are proposed in the patents aimed to extend the food shelf-life of fresh food, reducing modifications in color, flavor and taste. In this review, we will focus on polysaccharides extracted from biomass and their applications in the food industry, in particular on food shelf-life extension. The patents issued in the last twenty years for polysaccharides and their applications in food shelf-life extension will be reviewed.